Conspirituality
Derek Beres, Matthew Remski, Julian Walker
Dismantling New Age cults, wellness grifters, and conspiracy-mad yogis. At best, the conspirituality movement attacks public health efforts in times of crisis. At worst, it fronts and recruits for the fever-dream of QAnon. As the alt-right and New Age horseshoe toward each other in a blur of disinformation, clear discourse, and good intentions get smothered. Charismatic influencers exploit their followers by co-opting conspiracy theories on a spectrum of intensity ranging from vaccines to child trafficking. In the process, spiritual beliefs that have nurtured creativity and meaning are transforming into memes of a quickly-globalizing paranoia. Conspirituality Podcast attempts to bring understanding to this landscape. A journalist, a cult researcher, and a philosophical skeptic discuss the stories, cognitive dissonances, and cultic dynamics tearing through the yoga, wellness, and new spirituality worlds. Mainstream outlets have noticed the problem. We crowd-source, research, analyze, and dream answers to it.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Sep 23, 2023 • 37min
Brief: Russell Brand
Russell Brand's influence on yoga world conspiracy theory culture is explored, including the unfolding story of allegations against him. The chapter discusses power dynamics, consent, journalism, evidence, and misogyny. It also examines the impact of allegations on age of consent laws, the investigation by Metropolitan Police, and different perspectives on the accusations. Additionally, the podcast delves into Brand's reputation as a captivating attention seeker without regard for truth or usefulness, as well as his communication style filled with vague statements and physical aggression. The chapter further explores Brand's career shift towards wellness influencing, his alignment with Kundalini Yoga, and the problematic dynamics within the yoga industry.
Sep 21, 2023 • 56min
172: Why Always the Jews? (w/Mike Rothschild)
Mike Rothschild, author and friend of the pod, discusses the dangerous rise of modern anti-Semitism and conspiracy theories surrounding the Rothschild family. They delve into topics such as the Jewish space lasers conspiracy theory, the historical stereotypes surrounding Jewish wealth, and the spread of anti-Semitic propaganda. They also explore the shift from the Rothschilds to George Soros as the target of anti-Semitic tropes.
Sep 18, 2023 • 10min
Bonus Sample: You Can’t Just Take Things Away from People
When we deconstruct harmful ideas and beliefs—from antivax positions to reactionary social views—we will inevitably be seen or felt as attacking the relationships that people form through those views. That’s a big problem in a lonely world, and there will be blowback. What to do?Matthew steps off the debunkery hamster wheel, and remembers an old piece of yoga advice. Show NotesThe Religious Case Against Belief by James P. Carse Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 16, 2023 • 27min
Brief: The Planet is Burning, Man (w/Tommy Diacono)
Tommy Diacono, a five-time Burner and organizer of the protest, discusses the blocking of roads at Burning Man 2023 due to climate change concerns. They talk about the importance of rituals and knowing when they need to end.
12 snips
Sep 14, 2023 • 1h 21min
171: Cracking the Mirror World (w/Naomi Klein)
Naomi Klein, author and political activist, discusses the mirror world, influencers exploiting vulnerable individuals, the collapse spectacle, taking action and building a community, the normalization of controversial issues in liberal circles, the national reckoning in Canada, and the power of collective action.
Sep 11, 2023 • 11min
Bonus Sample: Swamp Creatures 2: Roger Stone
Longtime Trump ally and swampy Deep State operative, Roger Stone, is the focus of this podcast. They discuss Stone's involvement in anti-democratic schemes, such as Watergate, Bush's 2000 steal, and the 2016 Russian interference. Delving into Stone's persona and history, they explore his connections to Donald Trump and Paul Manafort. A colorful breakdown of Stone's career that leaves listeners wanting to learn more.
Sep 9, 2023 • 58min
Brief: Review of Naomi Klein’s "Doppelganger"
The podcast discusses Naomi Klein's book 'Doppelganger' and its exploration of the 'mirror world' where digital avatars replace reality. It delves into the alignment of organic farmers and yoga teachers with right-wing extremists, exposes the hypocrisy of neoliberalism, and reflects on personal flaws and convictions. The podcast provides a thought-provoking analysis of distorted narratives and the challenges of navigating an incoherent political landscape.
Sep 7, 2023 • 1h 13min
170: The Age of Insurrection (w/David Neiwert)
David Neiwert, journalist and author, discusses the current state of American society, conspiracy theories, and the rise of extremism. Topics include the Trump presidency, COVID-19, QAnon, the January 6th insurrection, legal consequences for spreading conspiracies, far-right extremism, white nationalism in politics, declining religious belief, and the connection between conspiracy theories and fascist ideologies.
Sep 4, 2023 • 7min
Bonus Sample: The Perils of "Free Speech"
Explore the challenges surrounding free speech and its connection to the current political landscape. Delve into the role of pharmaceutical companies, insurance providers, and hospitals in the for-profit medical sector. Discover the risks associated with supplements due to misleading marketing tactics. Analyze the tactics of product promotion by influencers using misleading claims and language analysis.
Sep 2, 2023 • 22min
Brief: Slavery is Not a Form of Hustle
The podcast explores the co-opting of civil rights language by right and wellness influencers, with a focus on a tech-bro entrepreneur using slavery as an analogy for his hustle. It also discusses the influence of conspiracy theorists on public understanding, controversial comparisons to slavery and the Holocaust, and the need for dialogue to address social inequality.
